Sydney-to-Hobart: record fleet likely

Press, Volume CXI, Issue 32706, 8 September 1971, Page 14

Sydney-to-Hobart: record fleet likely

A record fleet of more than 100 yachts is expected to take part in this year’s annual Sydney-to-Hobart ocean racing classic, Australia's major blue water event. Entries will be boosted by the third biennial Southern Cross Cup series, of which the Hobart race forms the last of four races. ■The Southern Cross Cup is the southern hemisphere counterpart of the British Admiral’s cup series. It was inaugurated six years ago to provide additional in- > centive to overseas yachtsmen who have to travel thousands of miles to compete in the Hobart race. Challenges for the cup are accepted from teams of two or three yachts nomin- • ated by the yachting authort

ities of overseas nations 01 individual Australian states The British have already indicated that they wil select a team for the series after the Admiral’s Cui races and it is considerec likely that the team will tx led by the British Prims Minister, Mr Edward Heath The Japanese have als< indicated that they will bs sending a team of at leasi two yachts and New Zea land will be sending one 01 more teams. From the United States two 73ft ocean racers Ondine II and Kiaola H will be coming out and wil probably be joined by i third, either the converte* 12-metre American Eagle o: the 50ft ocean racer Aura. In addition, all six Aus tralian states will be enter f ing their own teams. f